In the spring of 1938, Isaiah Matlack, chairman of the Asbury Park Kiwanis Club’s boys and girls program committee, recommended to the board of directors that they explore the possibility of establishing a boys club in Asbury Park.
In August of 1940, due to the rapid growth of the Boys Club program, the decision was made to change the name of the Kiwanis Boys Club to the Boys Club of Asbury Park.
Through the efforts of Gus Villapiano and Thomas Shebell, Sr., the president of the Asbury Park New York Transit company, James Rollo, became interested in the establishment of a new boys home. Mr. Rollo purchased a land lot at 1201 Monroe Ave. for the new facility and contributed $35,000.00 toward the building cost. Construction began soon after, and the new Clubhouse was opened on July 29, 1952.
In September of 1954, a special gymnasium fundraising dinner was held honoring world boxing champion Rocky Marciano, and twenty thousand dollars was raised. With the election of Michael D. Ercolino as president, plans began to develop rapidly, and a contract was awarded to James Vacchiano for the construction of a gymnasium at a cost of $48,000.00.
The board of directors had at last completed all expansion programs and a Boys Club facility valued at $2,000,000 stands on Monroe Avenue as a testimonial to their dedication, interest, and concern for the youth of the community. The board was able to complete all expansion programs without incurring any indebtedness on the part of the organization.
In 1992 the Boys Club changed its name to Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County. In September 2000 a revitalization of the organization resulted in new volunteer and professional leadership. A strategic plan was developed to guide the organization over the next several years.
In 2007 the Red Bank community was identified as an area of need. In September 2009, the Red Bank Unit opened its doors.
In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Club expanded its hours to open as Remote Learning Centers, allowing children to attend virtual school in a safe learning environment.
In 2022, our newest site opened in Long Branch at the Bucky James Community Center.
As of 2024, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County is bettering the lives of over 1,350 children and teens at its units and school-based sites in Asbury Park, Red Bank, Neptune, and Long Branch.
June 1938
1938: Asbury Park Kiwanis Boys Club established
In the spring of 1938, Isaiah Matlack, chairman of the Asbury Park Kiwanis Club’s boys and girls program committee, recommended to the board of directors that they explore the possibility of establishing a boys club in Asbury Park.
June 1940
1940: A name change
In August of 1940, due to the rapid growth of the Boys Club program, the decision was made to change the name of the Kiwanis Boys Club to the Boys Club of Asbury Park.
June 1952
1952: Our Monroe Avenue building opened!
Through the efforts of Gus Villapiano and Thomas Shebell, Sr., the president of the Asbury Park New York Transit company, James Rollo, became interested in the establishment of a new boys home. Mr. Rollo purchased a land lot at 1201 Monroe Ave. for the new facility and contributed $35,000.00 toward the building cost. Construction began soon after, and the new Clubhouse was opened on July 29, 1952.
September 1954
1954: Monroe Ave Gymnasium Built
In September of 1954, a special gymnasium fundraising dinner was held honoring world boxing champion Rocky Marciano, and twenty thousand dollars was raised. With the election of Michael D. Ercolino as president, plans began to develop rapidly, and a contract was awarded to James Vacchiano for the construction of a gymnasium at a cost of $48,000.00.
January 1992
1992: The Boys Club changed its name to Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County
In 1992 the Boys Club changed its name to Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County.
September 2000
2000: Strategic revitalization
In September 2000 a revitalization of the organization resulted in new volunteer and professional leadership. A strategic plan was developed to guide the organization over the next several years.
September 2009
2009: Red Bank Unit opened it’s doors
In 2007 the Red Bank community was identified as an area of need. In September 2009, the Red Bank Unit opened its doors.
March 2020
2020: The Club goes remote
In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Club expanded its hours to open as Remote Learning Centers, allowing children to attend virtual school in a safe learning environment.
July 2021
July 2021: Programming launched in Neptune
In the Summer of 2021, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County launched a new site at College Achieve Charter School in Neptune.
September 2022
2022: Our new site opens in Long Branch
In 2022, our newest site opened in Long Branch at the Bucky James Community Center.
June 2023
2023: Continuing to better the lives of our communities
As of 2023, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County is bettering the lives of over 1,100 children and teens at its units and school-based sites in Asbury Park, Red Bank, Neptune, and Long Branch.
